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VICTORIA — The political future of B.C. Liberal Party MLA John Slater appears to be in question, as the party has not scheduled his nomination meeting and has already approached a possible new candidate to represent the riding,

A first-term MLA for Boundary-Similkameen, Slater publicly announced this past September he planned to run again for the BC Liberals in 2013.

But Slater is now the only incumbent B.C. Liberal who has not been nominated, or does not have a nomination meeting planned. The majority of Liberal incumbents have been nominated, according to a party list, and officials say the remaining two — Premier Christy Clark and deputy premier Rich Coleman — will be nominated at events held much closer to May’s election.

Slater could not be reached for comment Friday, despite an email and numerous calls.

In 2009, Slater faced a tough fight in his riding as B.C. Conservative Party candidate Joe Cardoso drew away significant right-wing support, collecting 20 per cent of the vote. Slater won, however, besting the NDP’s Lakhvinder Jhaj by 813 votes.

B.C. Liberal campaign director Mike McDonald would not provide any details about what has happened since September when Slater announced his intention to run, but did confirm there are no plans currently in place for Slater’s nomination.

“There is no nomination meeting scheduled in Boundary at this time,” he said.

In an interview Friday, Oliver councillor, and former mayor, Linda Larson confirmed she had been approached by party officials to run if Slater does not.

“I have been asked whether I would consider it in the event that he doesn’t run again and I have said I would certainly think about it. That’s as far as we’ve gone,” said Larson.

“I have a great respect for John (Slater) ... and as far as I’m concerned the job is his,” she added.

“If in such time that he decides to step down then I would think about it.”

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Political future uncertain for B.C. Liberal John Slater

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